(1) Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences are a key element of Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to high quality learning and teaching. The activities are recognised as making a significant contribution to the transition of graduates to the workplace. This Policy defines principles and requirements that assure the quality, safety and educational effectiveness of all Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences which are offered through Melbourne Polytechnic to support the completion of course requirements. (2) This Policy: (3) Melbourne Polytechnic’s approach to Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences reflects the Institute’s commitment to providing students an applied learning and teaching experience, through high-quality education that develops skills and capabilities valued by industry and community. (4) Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences support enhanced graduate employability outcomes and student readiness for professional practice by facilitating students’ self-reflective practices and supporting their professional development in relation to their career path and aspirations. (5) The experiences are designed and developed collaboratively through involving industry or community partners and teaching staff. (6) The Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences are aligned with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Education Strategy and actively promotes the principles for Inquiry as Practice and Applied Learning principles, which foster deep disciplinary knowledge, practical skills application, and alignment with course objectives and accreditation standards. (7) Melbourne Polytechnic’s Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences Policy complies with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements including the: (8) The Institute commits to providing Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences for students where they can apply theoretical and practical learning in real-world contexts. (9) Every teaching program will endeavour to include Workplace, Industry & Community Experiences to help ensure the qualification is industry-connected and supports the professional preparation of students. (10) The experiences will enable students with opportunities to learn from mentors and peers directly from industry, community and workplaces who are experts in their field and support student’s development of teamwork skills. (11) The design and development of Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences meet relevant licencing, professional and external accreditation body requirements. (12) The relevant Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences activity is designed and embedded into a course, unit or subject which is aligned with the associated Training Package or accredited curriculum requirements. (13) Melbourne Polytechnic will work collaboratively with stakeholders to provide appropriate preparation, guidance and support for students, staff and workplace supervisors, including ongoing access to essential learning resources and support services for students. (14) All Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences will be conducted in alignment with the following Melbourne Polytechnic policies and guidelines: (15) The relationship with all relevant industry and community partners is developed and maintained in accordance with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Partnering Framework. The responsibility is shared and the any agreement adheres to the requirements of appropriate workplaces and the experience opportunities provided. (16) Students will only be offered opportunities to participate in Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences that are commensurate with their level of skills and knowledge. (17) Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences arrangements are co-designed between Melbourne Polytechnic, industry or community, and where applicable, the relevant professional registration bodies. The experiences provide mutually beneficial outcomes for the partner, students, Melbourne Polytechnic and the broader community. (18) Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences are reviewed to ensure they are providing a quality and meaningful student experience, including transferable skills and work-readiness. (19) Workplace, Industry & Community Experiences can only begin upon completion and signing of approved documentation by relevant parties (refer to the appropriate procedure). Any records related to these experiences must be documented in an approved records management system, following the Institute's Records Management Policy and Procedure. (20) The Institute will monitor Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences and the outcomes for students including transferable skills and work-readiness as part of the program review process. The findings will be used to inform continuous improvement to Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences. (21) Monitoring of the type of activity, outcomes and the overall student experience form part of the program review process. Melbourne Polytechnic will analyse findings to inform changes to academic processes relating to Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences. (22) Students are responsible for: (23) Managers/Heads of Program/Program Leaders and Placement Coordinators/WIL Coordinators are responsible for: (24) The Manager Delivery Innovations and Projects is responsible for: (25) Directors HE, VET and Foundation are responsible for reporting at least annually on Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences in their areas of responsibility to the relevant associated boards: VET and Foundation Boards and Higher Education Course Committee. (26) The Executive Director Academic Operations is responsible for reviewing and updating this procedure at regular intervals. (27) The VET and Foundation Boards are responsible for monitoring the impact of Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences in terms of course delivery and outcomes. (28) The Higher Education Course Committee is responsible for monitoring the impact of Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences in terms of course delivery, outcomes and alignment with professional accreditation. (29) The overarching term Workplace, Industry and Community Experience are opportunities for students to gain experience where they can apply theoretical and practical learning in real world context to develop skills and capability that enhances employability outcomes. These opportunities occur may occur in industry or community settings and support student’s professional development in relation to their career path and aspirations. (30) There are various types of Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences, the student’s specific activity aligned with the course requirements and curriculum, could comprise of the followings types: (31) For the purpose of this Policy the following definitions apply:Workplace, Industry and Community Experience Policy
Section 1 - Purpose
Section 2 - Scope
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Section 3 - Policy
Policy Statement
Policy Principles
Policy Topics
Workplace, Industry & Community Experiences reflect current professional practice
Workplace, Industry & Community Experiences are embedded in integrative curriculum
Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences are inclusive, safe and fair
Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences partnerships benefit all stakeholders
Monitoring of Workplace, Industry and Community Experiences Agreements, quality assurance and continuous improvement
Section 4 - Responsibility and Accountability
Academic Governance (VET and Foundation)
Academic Governance (Higher Education)
Section 5 - Definitions
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